The Lakers nearly lost another when Derek Fisher tweaked his groin while fighting around a screen the fourth quarter Wednesday. Fisher went to the locker room, then returned to play the game's final 3:27.

"He had a bit of a groin pull," Jackson said, "and we had to struggle without him for a while. But he came back and played and we'll see what happens tomorrow."

Jackson has to be keeping his fingers crossed that he will hear more good news. The Lakers already are without back-up guards Jordan Farmar (left knee surgery) and Sasha Vujacic (back spasms). Plus forward Luke Walton did not make the trip because of lingering pain in his right foot.

Despite the growing concern about injuries and minutes played, Jackson waived off any talk of a trade or signing a player to a 10-day contract.

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